Homes and Real Estate News

Buying California Seasonal Produce And Other Healthy Food On A Budget

Many people feel that they do not have the money to eat as healthfully as they would like to. Although it is true that California seasonal produce (or produce in other states), organic foods, and other healthy items can be costly, there are ways to save money on healthful items. If you take the time to shop thoughtfully, you can certainly save and eat well. Here are some tips for doing so.

1. Buy local, seasonal fruits and vegetables. Sometimes this can be more expensive, but sometimes it can definitely be less. When food is shipped from far away places, it has to be stored and transported. This is not only bad for the environment, it can also be costly for the store. Therefore, out-of-season items shipped from far away sometimes cost more than local ones.

2. Compare prices at different stores. While one store may charge less for dry goods, another may charge less for fruits and vegetables. When you learn the stores with the best prices on individual items, you can maximize your savings. This can take extra time, but it gets easier as you learn to build the trips into your schedule, and it can certainly be worthwhile.

3. Shop at wholesale markets. Wholesale markets are able to charge lower prices because they get their stock directly from the people who produce it. This cuts out many overhead costs such as extra shipping and storage. It also means that the products are fresher and have exchanged hands fewer times than those at a large, chain grocery store.

4. Buy from farmers’ markets. Farmers’ markets offer food even fresher and less removed from the source than wholesale markets. Often, the people who are at the tables selling the food are the very same people who grew it and/or made it. It feels good to pay someone directly for their product, and to be able to look into the face of the person who produced your food.

5. Apply for food assistance. Everyone hits rough patches sometimes, whether it is because of a job-loss, increased bills, or too many mouths to feed. Food assistance can be a great help in these situations, and it is nothing to be embarrassed about. If you have paid taxes at all, you have paid into the program, so why not take advantage of it when you need it? In some states, you can trade in food stamps for double-value tokens to use at farmers’ markets. This helps you and the farmers, and is a fantastic way to save.

6. Buy food on special. Sometimes the specials for the week are random or due to overstock. Often, fruits and vegetables that are older or slightly damaged will be sold for a fraction of the regular cost. Always peruse these options, especially if you are planning to make a stir-fry or a soup. Veggies that are slightly wilted or bruised are find for cooking, and you can often save a lot by using them.

These ideas can help you to save money while still eating a healthful diet. Even on a budget, you can buy California seasonal produce, organic fruits and vegetables, and other healthful foods. You can also stock up when you find an especially good deal, and preserve the fruits and veggies for later by canning or freezing them.

You can visit samashfarms.com for more helpful information about California Seasonal Produce And More, For Less.